Broncos Combine Roundup 2024: Examining Top Edge Rushers and Defensive Linemen
General Manager George Paton, during the Combine media session, highlighted the Broncos’ focus on improving the front of their defense, particularly in stopping the run. As the team seeks enhancements, potential strategies include acquiring a skilled interior defensive lineman or a robust edge player to fortify the pass rush.
Here’s an in-depth look at some players identified by national media as potential early-round picks for edge rusher and defensive line positions:
**1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA**
– Notable Achievements: Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, Consensus All-America selection, recorded 13 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.
– Background: Overcame a neck injury in 2020, medically retired, and successfully returned to play at UCLA in 2022.
– Comparison: T.J. Watt (Steelers EDGE) according to NFL.com.
– Latu’s Quote: Shared his resilience and determination in pursuing his NFL dreams despite facing challenges.
**2. Chop Robinson, Penn State**
– Notable Achievements: Compiled 9.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in the last two years at Penn State.
– Attributes: Recognized for rare explosiveness and wicked pursuit speed.
– Comparison: Micah Parsons (Cowboys EDGE) according to NFL.com.
– Robinson’s Quote: Described his effectiveness in transitioning from speed to power during pass rushing.
**3. Jared Verse, Florida State*
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– Projections: Linked to the Broncos in mock drafts, contributed to Florida State’s undefeated regular season in 2023.
– Stats: Recorded 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 2023.
– Comparison: LaMarr Woodley (Former Steelers OLB) as per NFL.com.
– Verse’s Quote: Emphasized the impact of refining techniques during his career, transforming as a player.
**4. Byron Murphy II & T’Vondre Sweat, Texas**
– Achievements: Murphy – 2023 second-team All-American, Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year; Sweat – first-team All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Outland Trophy winner.
– Stats (Murphy): 29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks in 2023.
– Stats (Sweat): 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks in 2023.
– Comparisons: Ed Oliver (Bills DL) for Murphy, Vita Vea (Bucs DL) for Sweat according to NFL.com.
– Murphy’s Quote: Expressed gratitude for the synergy with Sweat, acknowledging their leadership role in the defensive line.
These potential draft picks offer a mix of skills, achievements, and resilience, and their additions could contribute significantly to the Broncos’ defensive improvements.
